The Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas recently published an alert recommending the postponement of non-essential trips to Cuba, at a time when the country is facing an energy crisis with a direct impact on daily life and the tourism sector. The situation has already led to the temporary closure of hotel units and could affect essential services, according to the information released.
According to SIC Notícias, the Portuguese Government decided to issue this recommendation in light of the fuel shortage and the emergency measures adopted by the Cuban authorities to respond to limitations in energy supply.
Essential services under pressure
The notice published by the Portuguese authorities highlights that the current context may compromise the regular functioning of several public services. Areas potentially affected include healthcare, transport, water supply, electricity supply, communications and commerce.
“Given the unpredictability and risk of worsening current conditions, travelers are advised to consider postponing non-essential trips to Cuba until the situation stabilizes”, can be read in the official communication cited by the same source, which warns of the possibility of additional constraints.
Hotels closed and tourists redistributed
On the ground, the measures have already begun to produce visible effects in the tourism sector. The publication writes that the Cuban government began closing some hotels and transferring tourists to other units, in an attempt to concentrate available resources.
The affected units are mainly located in Varadero and the north of the island. According to the same source, hotels belonging to international chains are covered, such as the Spanish Meliá, the Spanish Iberostar and the Canadian Blue Diamond, reflecting the scale of the response adopted.
Impact on travel and activities
The Portuguese alert is not limited to the hotel industry and extends to trips and activities planned by visitors. “The temporary closure of some hotel units and possible interruptions to flights, travel, excursions and recreational activities are also advanced,” says the aforementioned notice.
It is worth noting that these disruptions can result in changes to itineraries, cancellations or delays, directly affecting those who have trips scheduled to the destination in the near future.
Recommendations for those who cannot postpone
Despite advising against non-essential travel, the Government recognizes that there may be situations in which postponement is not possible. According to the same source, in these cases it is recommended to register with the Cadastro Viajante application, a tool that allows Portuguese authorities to maintain contact with citizens abroad.
It is also advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance, “which covers situations of medical evacuation and trip cancellation or interruption”, in order to cover possible unforeseen events in a context of operational instability.
The causes of the energy crisis
The current energy crisis in Cuba results from a combination of structural and cyclical factors. The explains that among the causes cited are the sanctions imposed by the United States, the prolonged impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the economy, internal energy and financial limitations and the reduction in international flights.
Faced with this scenario, the Portuguese Government chose to reinforce the alert to citizens, recommending caution and the postponement of non-essential trips until the situation in the country stabilizes and essential services regain predictability.
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